How do I answer 'if God is good, why is there evil'?

That's a profound question, and one that has puzzled thinkers for centuries. When someone asks this, they're often grappling with the reality of pain and suffering in a world that a loving and all-powerful God supposedly created. It's important to approach this with compassion, acknowledging their struggle rather than dismissing it. We can start by affirming that God is indeed good; His nature is pure goodness, as Scripture consistently reveals. He is the standard of all that is right and holy, and His character is untainted by evil.

Then, we can gently introduce the concept of humanity's role. God created us with free will, a precious gift that allows us to genuinely love and obey Him, but also to choose otherwise. Evil entered the world through the rebellious choices of both angels and humans, not as something God created. He did not introduce evil, but rather permitted the possibility of choice, knowing its potential consequences, because true love cannot be forced. This doesn't make God the author of evil, but rather shows His desire for a relationship based on genuine affection and free submission.

Furthermore, while evil is a reality, it is not God's ultimate plan. The Bible clearly teaches that God is actively working to overcome evil and restore all things. We see this in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death on the cross. While we still live in a fallen world where evil persists, we have the promise of a future where God will wipe away every tear and establish a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. His goodness will ultimately triumph.

Finally, we can highlight that in His wisdom, God often uses even the consequences of evil to bring about greater good, shaping our character, drawing us closer to Him, and revealing His redemptive power. This isn't to say He causes evil, but that His sovereignty extends even over its effects. We may not have all the answers to this complex question here on earth, but we can rest in the unwavering truth of His loving character and His ultimate victory over all things that oppose His goodness. Trusting His nature becomes key when our understanding falls short.